Extend dialogue to all separatist groups: Mufti

Excelsior Special Correspondent

DODA, Nov 6: Chief Minister Mufti Mohammad Sayeed today said that the process of dialogue should involve a wide spectrum of separatist groups and others to find amicable solution of vexed Kashmir issue.

Addressing a public meeting here this afternoon, he said that dialogue should not be restricted exclusively to one group but cover all groups. He said the problem could be resolved only with the involvement of everyone including separatist groups. He said the Centre has initiated a high level dialogue after due consideration. ‘It is not a fluke but a well considered move of the Centre’, he added.

Impressing upon militants to shun the path of violence, Mufti Sayeed asked them why they are killing their own people. He referred to the killing of Gul Bab at Pampore two days ago and said that the hapless family left behind has three disabled girls. He said what did militants gain by orphaning already unfortunate children. He said it is high time that they should leave the gun and come on the negotiation table. ‘Why don’t you give peace a chance’, he added.

Mufti Sayeed said that when his Government started demanding involvement of separatists in dialogue process, everyone tried to ridicule it. He said ‘we spoke about peace with dignity but nobody took it seriously. Now, we have made the headway and the process of dialogue has picked up. The level of negotiations and dialogue has been raised to the level of Deputy Prime Minister. Describing it as a biggest achievement of the coalition Government, he said our agenda of dialogue has got endorsement of the Centre and the nation. ‘People (separatists) have to seize this opportunity as otherwise the people would think that they (separatists) are not keen to stop bloodshed in the State’. He, however, cautioned that what could not be resolved in the past 56 years, how it is expected to be sorted out in one go. It will take time to reach to some solution, he said.

The Chief Minister said that the people’s urge for peace on both sides of the border is so intense that even Pakistan could not reject India’s 12-point peace package. Though it has put some riders on some of the proposals like opening of Srinagar-Muzaffarabad road, yet these things can be sorted out on the negotiation table. He said once the bus service operates and the people on both sides visit each other, peace between both the countries would get strengthened and hatred die down.

The Chief Minister said that his Government has institutionalized the system where every district gets its due share of funds for development without asking. He said Doda too got its share and various road projects are being taken up including Thathri-Bhalessa road. He said efforts would be made to develop tourism in the district and specifically mentioned Bhadarwah and Bhalessa as tourist destinations. He said recruitment would start soon for railways and territorial army. Projects like Bursar, Karthai, Sawalkote are proposed to be taken up in the district that would create more employment opportunities in the district. He said an ITI should be set up and courses introduced in such a way that all the skilled and semi-skilled manpower is provided locally for these projects.

Deputy Chief Minister Mangat Ram Sharma said that the coalition Government in the State is strong and stable and the rumours about its so-called instability are being spread as some elements could not digest the headway it has made on many fronts leading to the change in the total scenario. Left with no issue, they are now trying to mislead the people about the stability of the coalition. He said the Government has not only the backing of Congress and CPI (M) parties at the national level but also NDA Government at the Centre.

Education Minister Harshdev Singh in his address said that in view of vastness of Doda district, the coalition Government has decided to open at least 1000 schools. Of these, 300 would be primary schools and 700 education guarantee centres. With this, the district will get nearly 1500 more posts of teachers. At present, 772 posts are being filled up, of which, appointment letters have been given to 452 unemployed youth and the rest of the recruitment would be completed by 31st December. He said the selections have been made purely on merit. He said a great beginning has been made to spread the education to all corners and primary schools and education guarantee centres would be opened to ensure that students don’t have to travel long distance to reach schools.

Power Minister Mohammad Sharief Niaz in his speech said that the power development department has made many strides during the past one year. He said no village in the State would remain unelectrified after two years. Listing achievements made by the department in improving power supply in Doda district, he said the power cuts have been brought down from 12 hours to four and a half hours daily despite financial constraints. He said various grid stations like Khalleni, Kishtwar and Batote have been upgraded and project to take power to Paddar taken up. He said woodden poles for 33 KV line are being replaced.

Minister of State for Housing and Urban Development Abdul Majid Wani, who welcomed the Chief Minister and other Ministers, said that the Government has restored the confidence of the people.

Chairman, State Social Welfare Advisory Board, G M Saroori, who also spoke on the occasion, said that the situation has improved tremendously and unlike in the past, people are not picked up by the security forces and killed in custody. There is a tremendous change in the situation. He said it is also a fact that the coalition Government has to do much more to meet the aspirations of the people in the remaining five years of its term. He demanded that construction of road from Doda to Vailoo should be taken up.

CPI (M) leader and alliance partner Mr. M. Y. Tarigami in his speech said that the coalition Government has moved towards restoration of peace with dignity and hoped that the Centre would show its sincerity in pursuing a meaningful dialogue that can bring peace in the State. He said people on both sides of the border want peace and effort should be made to connect the hearts of people so that the wounds are healed. He stressed the need for joining hands to meet the common objective of peace. He also spoke about bringing back estranged youth and put them on the right track. He, however, added that appointment of Mr. Advani for talks is an opportunity, which should not be spurned.

Referring to Doda, he said it is a bridge between Kashmir and Jammu and there is no question of dividing any region.

Compel Pak to handover Dawood: DPM to US

KOLHAPUR (MAHARASHTRA), Nov 6: Deputy Prime Minister L K Advani today said the US should "compel" Pakistan to hand over underworld don and "global terrorist" Dawood Ibrahim to India to demonstrate its seriousness of working to eliminate terrorism.

"Mere announcement (about declaring Dawood as global terrorist) is not enough. The US must compel Pakistan to hand over Dawood to India for trial," he said addressing a public meeting at Gandhi Maidan here.

Noting that the US had been giving financial and other assistance to Pakistan, he said Washington can compel Islamabad and demonstrate its seriousness of fight against terrorism.

Referring to America’s declarations that it was trying to track down Al Qaeda chief Osama bin Laden, Advani said steps should be taken to bring to book at least those whose location is known as the US had said it was aware of Dawood’s presence in Pakistan.

Dawood, prime accused in the 1993 Mumbai bomb blasts, tops the list of terrorists whose handing over has been sought from Pakistan by India.

He said the world had awaken to the dangers of terrorism after the September 11, 2001 attacks in the US and Washington had realised that what Pakistan was doing against India was wrong.

Pakistan, which has resorted to proxy-war after losing in three open wars, has realised it cannot snatch even an inch of Jammu and Kashmir, Advani said.

On the security situation in Jammu and Kashmir, he said it was improving and tourist flow to the Valley had picked up in the "new environment".

Over 1.75 lakh tourists and 1.5 lakh Amarnath pilgrims visited the State this year, he said.

Admitting that terrorism had not yet been fully controlled, Advani said effective steps have been taken in this direction during the last five years.

At least 183 ISI modules have been destroyed during this period across the country, he said.(PTI)

Two officers among 5 troopers injured in gun battle
PDP leader among 10 killed

Excelsior Special Correspondent

SRINAGAR, Nov 6: Ruling Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) today received a major setback after militants eliminated its prominent leader Zulifkar Ali in Anantnag town which is the home district of Chief Minister Mufti Mohammed Sayeed.

He was second leader of the ruling PDP who fell prey to militants’ bullets in last three days. Militants on Tuesday had killed zonal president of the Party, Ghulam Mohammed Ganai of Frastbal Pampore in south Kashmir district of Pulwama.

According to reports, Zulifkar Ali who is considered to have much proximity with the Chief Minister’s family was coming out of a local mosque after prayers at Lazbal Anantnag when three militants waiting outside sprayed bullets on him.

He was taken to district Hospital Anantnag where doctors declared him brought dead.

Zulifkar, a retired Prosecuting Officer in J&K Police had joined the PDP six months back after the Party’s MLA from Shangus Pir Mohammed Hussian ex ADC influenced him to join the Party.

The reports said Zulifkar had suffered a tragedy as his lone militant son was also killed in his house by security forces few years back.

Meanwhile, three civilians including a woman have been shot dead by unidentified gunmen in twin villages in Kunzar-Tangmarg area of Baramulla district during last night. Elsewhere, six militants were killed and five Army personnel including a Commanding Officer and a Major injured in different gun battles in Kashmir valley since last night.

Enjoying a field day in the Housing Minister Ghulam Hassan Mir’s Tangmarg constituency, unidentified militants have struck in a big way and killed three civilians including a woman in two villages of Kunzar belt. To begin with, unidentified gunmen, widely believed to be militants, appeared at Harud Aboora village near Kunzar and dragged out Shakeela, wife of Abdul Rashid Matoo and Ghulam Ahmed Mir, son of Ghulam Nabi from their respective residences. Both the civilians were later shot dead. Mir, a 50-year old, was an employee in the Public Works Department (PWD).

Thereafter, militants, possibly of the same group, appeared at Haing village in the same locality and dragged out one, Noor Mohammed Khan, son of Abdul Ahad from his home. He was also shot dead.

Reports said that there was a feeble resistance from the inmates. It is widely presumed that all the three were killed on un-established charges of being informers of security forces. However, no militant outfit had claimed responsibility of these killings till late this evening. Police have registered cases and is investigating into these deaths.

Informed sources in north Kashmir told EXCELSIOR that, on a specific information, troops of 28 and 30 battalions of Rashtriya Rifles (RR) cordoned Drusu village in Rafiabad area of Baramulla district last night. As the troops were zeroing in on the suspected militant hideouts, militants opened heavy volume of fire on them triggering a gun battle. In the ensuing exchange of fire, two unidentified militants got killed.

Five Army personnel including Commanding Officer of the RR 30 Bn, Col G S Saga and RR 28 Bn’s Major Bhattacharya were injured in the firefight. Five structures including three kitchens and two cowsheds were damaged in the exchange of fire.

Reports from south Kashmir said that troops of RR 9 Bn cordoned Manzgam village in Damhal Hanjipora area of Anantnag district this morning. As the security forces were conducting house to house searches, militants in the village fired at them. Troops retaliated which led to an encounter. The gun battle continued till this afternoon in which two unidentified militants were killed. Two houses belonging to Abdul Rashid Dar and Bashir Ahmed Dar were gutted in the exchange of fire.

Reports said that RR 13 Bn killed a militant, identified as Saifullah, resident of Pakistan in an encounter Kongmarg Bandipore in Baramulla district during last night.

One more militant, believed to be a foreigner, was killed in a firefight with RR 24 Bn at Parang Kangan during last night.

Militants lobbed a grenade at the office of the Bharat Sanchar Nigam Limited (BSNL) in Anantnag town. The blast smashed windowpanes but no one was injured.

Meanwhile, according to police, 51 houses and a mosque were damaged in cross-border shelling by Pakistani forces in the Gurez sector of Baramulla district. The shelling began late on Wednesday evening and continued through the night. Besides the houses and the mosque, a vehicle was damaged due to the heavy shelling from across the Line of Control (LoC).

ASI among 4 killed in Srinagar accident

Excelsior Special Correspondent

SRINAGAR, Nov 6: Four persons, including an Assistant Sub-Inspector of Police and a student, were killed and 38 others injured, 10 critically, when the private bus in which they were travelling turned turtle on the Srinagar-Bandipora national highway, 12 Kms from here today.

The accident took place at Mujgund-Dangerpora when the driver of the speeding bus lost control over it after a tyre burst, official sources said here. The bus was on its way here from Bandipora.

The sources said the driver and the passengers reportedly had an altercation as the latter were forcing him to drive faster. There was a brief scuffle also between a passenger and the driver, following which he increased the speed. A tyre burst sent the vehicle out of control and it veered into the nearby fields where it hit a tree, they added.

Twenty-year-old student Adil and 55-year-old Abdul Khalik Bhat died on the spot while ASI Sonaullah succumbed to injuries at a hospital here, the sources said.

Later, another injured indentified as Ghulam Nabi Bhat succumbed to injuries at a Bemina hospital, they said.

The condition of eight of the injured admitted to a hospital here was stated to be critical, the sources said.

Geelani vows to fight injustice, oppression

From Aijaz Hussain

SRINAGAR, Nov 6: Prof Syed Abdur Rehman Geelani, accused in the Parliament attack but acquitted by the Delhi High Court, today said that he would dedicate himself to the struggle against injustice and oppression in all forms. He asserted that Kashmir issue should be resolved according to the aspirations of the people of Kashmir while maintaining that he believes in the values of democracy.

Prof Geelani pointed out that Showkat Hussain and Mohammed Afzal, the other two accused in the Parliament attack case, "did not get a fair trial".

On reaching here from Delhi, Prof Geelani in a news conference organised by J&K Trade Union Centre this afternoon gave an account of his trial and detention. "Last two years have been very difficult. For me and my family. I have suffered much humiliation and indignity. I have been subjected to torture, both during the period of investigation and also while I was in the jail," he began with while thanking all those who helped him to establish his innocence.

He asserted that he would dedicate himself to the cause of justice. "I know that those who defended me were not only defending an individual but were fighting for the preservation of democratic norms and values. The only way I can show gratitude to all of them is by dedicating myself to the struggle against injustice and oppression in all forms," he elaborated. Added he: "I would like to begin by trying to help the under-trials, many of whom are Kashmiris who were in jail with me and have no access to legal aid or support."

Geelani alleged that the other two under-trials in the Parliament attack case, Showkat Hussain and Mohammed Afzal did not get a "fair trial" like "I did not get a fair trial in the Session Court". He narrated the experience of his trial in the Session Court and termed it bitter. "My lawyers were denied their right to cross examine several times, my witnesses were insulted and I faced prejudice and injustice."

However, he thanked the High Court for its fair trial. "I thought I would not get justice in the High Court but I was wrong. I got a fair trial and was acquitted of all charges. The judgement shows how the police had tried to frame me. I shall remain grateful to the two judges who did not allow their minds to be influenced by the pernicious propaganda and prejudice," he said.

Prof Geelani pointed out that his stand on the conflict in Kashmir was unambiguous and according to the values of democracy. "I firmly believe in the values of democracy and I believe a lasting solution can come about only if it is based on the aspirations of the people of Kashmir… And as a Kashmiri I would endorse any solution, which emerges as a result of genuinely democratic process and reflects the democratic expression of the people," he pointed out.

Answering a query, Geelani ruled out that he would join any political party or forum. "I haven’t thought over it. As an ordinary Kashmiri, I would like to identify myself with common Kashmiris." He said that his case was still pending and police might appeal to the Supreme Court. "My struggle for justice has not ended."

Earlier, while welcoming Prof Geelani, veteran trade union leader and state president of J&K Trade Union Centre, Sampat Prakash resolved to fight the cases of Afzal and Showkat as well. Mr Sampat, who was the defence witness of Prof Geelani, said that they fought for him as he was innocent. "Prof Geelani is innocent. It was a conspiracy against Kashmiris. Conspiracy against our civilisation," he added.

Madhumita’s killers arrested

NEW DELHI, Nov 6: In a major success in the six-month-old poetess Madhumita Shukla murder case, the Central Bureau of Investigation today arrested her alleged killers from a house in Lucknow.

CBI sources told UNI that the two identified as Santosh Kumar Rai and Rohit Chaturvedi, a cousin of prime suspect and former Uttar Pradesh Minister Amarmani Tripathi, were picked up on the basis of a specific input received by the agency.

Tripathi is the other person arrested in connection with the case.

Santosh Kumar Rai, the sources said, is allegedly a contract killer used by Tripathi to eleminate Madhumita.

Santosh and Rohit are said to have visited Madhumita’s paper colony residence in Lucknow in the afternoon of May eight, a day before she was killed by two unidentified killers, but the poet was not at home at that time.

Though there is no official word from the CBI, it is believed that it was Santosh and Rohit who executed the killing. Santosh and Rohit will be produced before a local court in Lucknow tomorrow and the agency will seek their 14-day police remand for their interrogation.

"Their interrogation is likely to provide some vital information in the case and also about the conspiracy of murder and involvement of others," the sources said.

"They are vital to our solving the case," they added.

According to the statement of Madhumita’s servant Desraj, the sole eye-witness to the crime, two persons had visited her house on May nine when she was having her lunch and one of them was wellknown to her.

While the two sat in the drawing room of her house, one of them asked Desraj to tell the 24-year-old budding poet to immediately attend to them. "Considering that Madhumita left her food and came rushing show that the man commanded total authority over her," Desraj is understood to have told the investigators.

As she came, the other person shot her dead from a point blank range, the servant said.

CBI sources said the manner in which the two made a friendly entry to the house indicate that a well-known acquaintance could be behind the crime.

CBI’s suspicion came on Tripathi after it came to its knowledge that he shared very intimate relation with her and Madhumita was seven-month pregnant from him when she was killed. The DNA analysis of Tripathi’s blood sample and that of Madhumita’s foetus confirmed that he fathered the unborn child.

The poetess who had already aborted twice on the direction of Tripathi, refused to abort it on the third time and this irked the former BSP leader who is at present in the Samajwadi Party.

A letter purportedly written by Madhumita to Amarmani disclosed the extent to which she loved him and the treatment he meted out to her by refusing to marry her and repeatedly asking her to abort her child.

Tripathi’s growing intimacy with Madhumita was also not liked by his wife Madhumani and suspicion also came on her. But she has not been arrested by the agency so far in the absence of any direct or corroborative evidence against her.

CBI investigation indicated that both Amarmani and Madhumani wanted to get rid of her and used hired killers through one of his cousin to eleminate her. (UNI)

People matter the most: GOC

Excelsior Special Correspondent

JAMMU, Nov 6: In a conversation at Chanderkot, Lt Gen Hari Prasad, GOC-in-C, Northern Command met prominent persons at Banihal, Ramban and Batote.

The function was attended by senior Army officers, Danesh Rana, SSP Ramban, Farooq Mir, Ex-MLA Banihal and host of Army and Civil dignitaries. The cross section of the people attending the function, covered the area right from Gund to Patni Top and Mohu Manghat Bharatund.

In the address, Army Commander exhorted that in the fight for restoration of normalcy, it is people who matter the most. Army Commander emphasized that it is because of the people that the terrorism is counting its last breath and the State is fast coming to the path of normalcy.

Army Commander further emphasized that people must take full initiative and grab the opportunity of change and prosperity.

The people present pledged full support to the Army and praised the good work being done by the Army. People also praised the employment opportunities being generated for the locals in TA and Army Battalions.

All expressed their trust in the Army and the occasion was indeed a manifestation of the feeling of the people and also of the fast track change that the State is undergoing.

First Dogri film fest in JU

Excelsior Special Correspondent

JAMMU, Nov 6: Organized by the Post Graduate Department of Dogri, Jammu University (JU), a film festival of Dogri films, the first of its kind, will be held on November 9, at the JU auditorium.

During one day festival three Dogri films produced by Ved Rahi, the eminent film maker and the son of the soil will be screened. These include ‘Bobo Kadoon Aoug’, ‘Himmat’ and a documentary on renowned poet Dinu Bhai Pant.

Minister for Roads and Buildings, Madan Lal, will be the chief guest while Prof. Amitabh Mattoo, the Vice Chancellor, JU, will preside over the function.

Acknowledged as a classic film in Dogri language, ‘Bobo Kadoon Aoug’ highlights the love and longing of a young brother for his sister who gets married and leaves a void in his innocent world while ‘Himmat’ is based on a real life incident of four young boys from village Lehote, near Thathri, who were awarded National Bravery Awards for exhibiting exemplary courage against a militant attack on their village.

And the documentary on Dinu Bhai Pant highlights the life and works of the Dogri poet who because of the popularity of his poems among the Dogra folks during 1950’s and 1960’s has the distinction of being called as the ‘poet of masses.’

The festival will not only highlight the cinematographic skill of one of the well known film makers hailing from Jammu but also emerge as a showcase of the richness of Dogra culture and its universal appeal.

21 burnt to death over recruitment

SILIGURI, Nov 6: Twenty-one people were burnt to death when the house of trade union leader where they had assembled was set on fire following a clash over recruitment of a labour incharge in a tea garden in West Bengal’s Jalpaiguri district today.

The incident took place at Dalgaon tea garden bordering Jalpaiguri and Coochbehar district under Falakata police station, more than 150 kms from here, IGP (North Bengal) Bhupinder Singh told PTI.

As per initial report the incident was the result of a group clash over the recruitment of garden ‘babu’ (labour incharge), Singh said.

The incident occurred around 8.30 a.m. When a large group of people assembled at the house of the secretary of Mazdoor union, Tarakeshwar Lohar, and protested against the recruitment from outside the garden, he said.

The angry mob later set on fire Lohar’s house trapping all the 21 victims inside, he said adding that all the bodies were charred beyond recognition.

Top officials including District Magistrate A Subbaya and the SP Siddhnath Gupta as well as Singh have rushed to the spot to ascertain details of the incident.

State IGP (Law and Order) Chayan Mukherjee said in Kolkata after receiving information about the incident when the officer-in-charge, Falakata, rushed to the spot he found the house was already in flames. He immediately informed the fire brigade which doused the fire.

He said so far 106 people have been arrested.

Singh said there were reports of tension building up between two groups over the issue of recruitment as Lohar was in favour of recruitment from outside the garden while the other group was insisting on recruitment from inside.(PTI)

Udhampur rail line by Dec 2003

Excelsior Special Correspondent

JAMMU, Nov 6: The Jammu-Udhampur Railway Line will be commissioned by next month ahead of its target date of March, 2004. After the commissioning of the route, there will be trial run of trains before plying of normal traffic on the line.

This was disclosed by the Union Minister for Railways, Nitish Kumar while addressing the Consultative Committee attached to his Ministry in New Delhi, an official release issued here today said. He informed that as for the Udhampur-Katra-Qazigund-Srinagar-Baramulla Rail Link, which is a national project, the works were progressing to the schedule.

The Minister further informed the Consultative Committee members that the computerized Unreserved Ticketing System, introduced in Northern Railway last year, has proved very popular with the commuters and added that it was being extended to other railways.

Responding to the concerns of members over lack of cleanliness in trains and at stations, the Minister announced that the cleanliness would get focussed attention on Railways and the system of clean trains introduced initially at Ratlam would be extended to all major stations in due course of time.

Mufti to lead J&K delegation to London

Excelsior Special Correspondent

JAMMU, Nov 6: After bouncing back in the domestic tourism sector, the State Government is now poised to woo foreign visitors by highlighting the scenic splendour during an international tourism meet in London beginning this weekend.

Chief Minister Mufti Mohammad Sayeed will lead a six-member high-level delegation of the State to the four-day meet on Sunday to sell tourist destinations at the international forum, official sources said, adding a two member delegation of Mata Vaishnodevi Shrine Board will also accompany the Chief Minister.

The state will showcase pilgrim destination of Vaishno Devi and other tourist spots including Gulmarg, Pahalgam and Sonamarg, they said.

The delegation comprised Tourism Minister Ghulam Hassan Mir, Secretary Tourism Najam Saqib, Director General Tourism Saleem Beig, Chief Executive Officer (CEO) Gulmarg Development Authority Farooq Ahmed, Deputy Director Tourism Kak Puri and Director Information K B Jandial. The Shrine Board delegation included CEO and Principal Secretary to Government Arun Kumar and Additional CEO Rohit Kansal.

The Government will seek to assuage fears of the international travellers on the security front and ask the tour operators to assess the situation while visiting the State, the sources said.

The delegation will cite the increase in domestic tourist inflow to back its argument of the situation being "not that bad" for travellers.

The delegation will cite the inflow of about 1.75 lakh tourists to Kashmir valley besides over one lakh travellers to Amarnath pilgrimage this year, highest since militancy erupted in the State in 1989.

Although domestic tourist flow to Kashmir has increased, many foreigners are still not travelling because of fear which has been compounded by travel advisories of various countries against a visit to the Valley.

The inter-state council meeting in Srinagar, besides visits by President A P J Abdul Kalam, Prime Minister Atal Behari Vajpayee, Congress president Sonia Gandhi, 300 MPs and foreign delegations will contribute to convince international community to visit Kashmir valley, the sources said.

Jammu and Kashmir is one of the 20 states participating in the international trade mart.

By attracting tourists and reviving the tourism industry, which is the backbone of the State, the Government is seeking to promote developmental activities in the State, they said.

The State Government has already launched a sustained campaign within the country to woo tourists.

Tourism industry in the State had received a serious setback after eruption of militancy in 1989 with the tourist inflow dropping sharply from seven lakh in 1988 to a few thousand in the subsequent years.

It showed signs of recovery in 1999 when over a lakh tourists visited the State before the Kargil conflict broke.

VHP to hoist two crore saffron flags

KOCHI, Nov 6 : VHP proposes to hoist Saffron flags atop nearly two crore houses spread over two lakh villages in the country on Ram Navami Day in March next, demanding among other things, Ram Temple at Ayodhya, protection to cows and abrogation of Art 370 in Jammu and Kashmir.

The outfit would observe Dec 6 as ‘Shaurya Divas’ and rallies would be organised throughout the country, VHP all India secretary Y Raghavulu told a press meet here today.

If the Government declined to accept its demands, the VHP would ensure the defeat of the ‘anti-Hindu’ candidates in the Lok Sabha elections due next year, he said.

Raghavalu alleged that in Kerala the interests of the Hindus were not being protected as the political parties and caste-based organisations were "dividing" the people.

He said while a grant of Rs 22,500 was given every year for Haj pilgrimage and crores doled out as grant to the three lakh Madrasas in the country, the Sabarimala pilgrims were being forced to pay hefty fares in buses run by the state-owned KSRTC. The Amarnath and Kumbh mela pilgrims also had to pay pilgrim tax. (PTI)

JE apprehended for accepting bribe

Excelsior Special Correspondent

JAMMU, Nov 6: The State Vigilance Organisation has apprehended Junior Engineer, Altaf Ahmad Sheikh while accepting a bribe of Rs 5,000 from a contractor, Ghulam Hassan Dar of Bemina, Srinagar.

The engineer has been arrested and a case registered against him.
 
 
 
 

 

 

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